BRANCHING OUT INTO FALL

Yesterday I packed up and put away the displays of summer. Although I haven't brought down any autumn treasures, I was able to start some new vignettes with one of me favorite items to use for fall and winter: branches. And the best part? They were FREE - On Monday I spotted a HUGE pile of tree trimmings, and soon after, Jeff and I were at the pile loading what seemed to be a tree into the truck. You can read about at Tips On Branching Out and here are some of the vignettes I'm sharing over at Artie's Vignette Friday's link party!

The main branch Jeff wanted to pitch - heavens no!! I envisioned here for he buffet or a centerpiece for the dining table... I'd like to torch the tips to take away the 'fresh cuts' and maintain an organic look...

The acorn I found at Goodwill for only $3, and I like it with my $5 thrift lamp...

I'm really tired of this mirror looking this way here (not to mention I'm had it since about '98), so I'm wanting to affix a starburst around the perimeter of the mirror - using skewer sticks and painting them gold. This will give it a new look, plus pick up on the mixing metals trend from fashion (Gunmetal & Gold) That's another project for another day...

LOVE the silhouette of the branches...

Switched white pillow covers on chairs to gray... and found that great tri-colored oversized basket bowl at Ross a few weeks ago for only $7...

I switched out white sheers for black sheers and charcoal linen panels - but it doesn't feel like it has enough weight in the room. Since the black sheers look almost smokey anyway, I'm probably going to replace the charcoal linen panels for chocolate velvet, (which will relate better to the living room)

The stairway is work in progress - but at least the turquoise from summer is gone...

Used another oversized branch on the TV unit, but didn't care for this pairing with the frame - LOVE the frame ($3 find while thrifting) but it's dwarfed on this wall...

Brought out the numbers panel (I had used last year in the dining room). It's size works better on the wall, and the colors work with the books and decor on the shelves... After removing the shells from these containers, I resued them to make small tea light holders more significant in size and presence..

Containers are now filled with corks I've been collecting FOR YEARS...

Yes - I like wine :)

The assembly line on the workbench of putting summer goodies away... although I do like to use coral year round - so I'll try to work it in elsewhere (it works well with the lines of the branches)

I like to just pour the shells & sand into ziplock bags, that way it's already pre-measured for next year.

Farewell Summer!

Time to branch out to fall... (this is just the beginning - haven't gotten the Fall & Halloween decor down from the attic -

yet - "Oh sweetieeeee......")

More about the adventures in curb mining (for the branches) in an upcoming post (Tips On Branching Out)... Have Happy Friday and don't forget to check out Artie's link party over at Color Outside the Lines!

Vignette Friday's

and also linking to

Between Naps On The Porch

Metamorphosis Monday

Skip To My Lou

Made By You Monday

Under The Table and Dreaming

Sunday Showcase

A Stroll Through Life

Tabletop Tuesday

Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Be sure to check out so many WONDERFUL projects and ideas at these parties!!